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Ever wondered how to fix a leaking bathtub faucet? A leaky faucet is not only annoying, but if it is ignored, it can also increase your water bill. This is one of the problems that we think we cannot face without a professional plumber. It is a bit like a leaking radiator. But the truth is, you can fix a leaking faucet quickly and easily by yourself.
For sustainability reasons, you should also repair a leaking faucet as soon as possible-think about it, if your faucet drips regularly 24 hours a day, hundreds of liters of water may be wasted over a year.
The repair can be done in just a few minutes with some household tools, so there is no reason not to. This is how to repair a leaking faucet.
1. Before you start, it is worth mentioning that most leaking faucets are caused by damaged gaskets, so if this is the case, you may need to be prepared to replace them.
2. First, turn off the water supply. You are about to remove some components, and the last thing you want is water damage. Your water supply valve can usually be found in the basement or crawl space of your house. Some will also be located outside.
4. After completing this operation, you will need to reach the valve stem or valve core, which are located behind the faucet or behind the handle plate on the wall, depending on your faucet type. If you are not sure, please refer to your manual.
5. To reach the valve stem or filter element, you need to remove the faucet handle. The best way to do this depends on your faucet type. If your handle is attached to the faucet, you may notice a small screw under the handle holding it in place-you can use a screwdriver to remove the screw and loosen the handle. If your handle is fixed to the wall with a lid, you should be able to remove the lid by simply unscrewing the lid first.
6. Next, you need to remove the faucet from the wall or completely remove the handle plate. By removing some extra screws, you should now be able to see these screws with a screwdriver.
7. After unscrewing these screws, be ready to detach the faucet or handle plate. Some may need to be pulled a bit, because the shell may merge with the wall due to scale and corrosion. Don’t force it, because it will destroy it. Instead, try to heat it up with hot water first and then try again.
9. If you have a keyhole cover, it looks like a keyhole cover on the wall and needs to be removed. Some need to be unscrewed, while others need to be unscrewed.
10. You should now look at the internal valve stem or filter element. Use an adjustable wrench to remove it and check carefully for wear or damage.
11. You should find a small rubber band on the top of the valve stem, which is a washer. If this looks worn or cracked, it may be the cause of the leak. After unscrewing the washer screw, replace it with a new one, and then reassemble the faucet. If the gasket is not visible, the ink cartridge needs to be replaced.
12. If this does not stop the leak, your valve stem or handle may need to be replaced-also check for damage and order compatible parts if necessary.
If this does not solve the problem, then it is time to hire a professional. But, hope this has stopped your leaking faucet.
Most leaking faucets are caused by worn gaskets. Every time the water is opened and closed, the gasket is basically pushed towards the valve. This will slowly wear it until it hardens, cracks and causes leakage. However, the leak can also be caused by a faulty valve stem or cartridge, or by a rusty handle. Be prepared that at least one of these parts may need to be replaced.
Katie takes care of everything related to the family, from kitchen utensils to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products, so it is the best contact point for any family suggestion! She has been testing and reviewing kitchen appliances for more than 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test is a stand mixer, because she likes to bake in her spare time.
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Post time: Nov-15-2021
